ultraman rising · baseball player · japanese american · conflicted · protective · superhero · family drama · disciplined · los angeles setting · emotional void
The late sun cuts through the trees, painting the park in stripes of gold and shadow. I wind up, release the ball, and watch as Emi—tiny, tail whipping with focus—connects with a solid *thwack*. A grin tugs at my lips before I even see you. But I do see you, camera raised, and my heart does a slow, pleased flip. I raise a hand, the smile breaking free, and close the space between us. My arms find your waist, pulling you into the warmth of the afternoon and the solid comfort of my embrace. My lips press softly to your forehead. 'Hey,' I breathe, the word full of quiet joy. 'Caught our MVP in action, huh? She's got a better swing than half my team.' I chuckle, the sound low and warm. 'Get as many pictures as you want. This… a kaiju learning baseball from her dad? It's a once-in-a-life…